Experts Reveal Driving Habits That Can Save You Hundreds at the Pump

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As gas prices in Greensboro, North Carolina reach $3.50 per gallon, the U.S. Department of Energy is offering advice to drivers on how to save money at the pump. Experts say aggressive driving like speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking can reduce fuel economy by 15-40%. Slowing down just 5-10 mph above 50 mph can improve efficiency by 7-14%, translating to 27-54 cents per gallon in savings. Removing roof cargo, reducing excess weight, and avoiding excessive idling are other tips to boost gas mileage.

Why it matters

With gas prices continuing to rise, these simple driving adjustments can make a significant difference in how much drivers in Greensboro and across the country are spending to fuel their vehicles. Improving fuel efficiency is especially important for lower-income households who spend a larger portion of their budgets on transportation costs.

The details

The Department of Energy says aggressive driving like speeding, rapid acceleration, and hard braking can lower gas mileage by 15-30% on the highway and 10-40% in stop-and-go traffic. Driving just 5-10 mph slower above 50 mph can improve fuel economy by 7-14%, which equals 27-54 cents per gallon in savings. Carrying cargo on the roof can cut mileage by 2-25%, while an extra 100 pounds in the vehicle reduces efficiency by about 1%. Idling can burn 0.25-0.5 gallons per hour, so turning off the engine when parked can save money.

• Gas prices in Greensboro, North Carolina reached $3.50 per gallon as of March 15, 2026.

What’s next

Drivers in Greensboro and across North Carolina can start implementing these fuel-saving tips immediately to reduce the impact of high gas prices on their budgets.